KOCHI: The decision of the railways to go ahead with the proposal for using the old railway station as a hub for operating city trains may not create any immediate traffic problems at Pachalam junction or infrastructure bottlenecks in the area.
The initial plan is to operate two train services in the morning and evening, said K.P. Harikumar, general convener of the Old Railway Station Development Committee.
A railway gate at Pachalam for operating two services in the morning and evening will not create any traffic problem in the area, he said. On increasing the frequency of services, he said at present the committee is not advocating an increase in the frequency of services.
Although the railways had given the green signal for using the old railway station and Cochin harbour terminus for launching MEMU/ DEMU services the proposal is likely to take some time before becoming a reality.
Renovation of the station and infrastructure bottlenecks, including viability of the existing track connecting old railway station to the mainline, are key issues that needed to be tackled before the services could be introduced.
Although a section of people feels that it would take at least one year for completion of the logistics, others feel that the services can begin in a few months.
“Railways plan a minimum of construction at the old railway station comprising an office for station master, ticketing counter and rest room for ticket examiners,” Harikumar said.
The old station building will be renovated and maintained as a heritage building, he added. A technical appraisal of the existing track will have to be undertaken as the track was not in use for the past 60 years, said a railway official.
The rehabilitation of 23 families currently staying in the railway land in the vicinity of the old station is another issue that needed to be tackled before commencing the services.
Although Kochi Mayor Tony Chammany is on record that the civic body will take the responsibility of rehabilitating the families, so far no steps have been taken in this regard.
